CN110663348B

CN110663348B - System for adjusting conveyor belt tension in an agricultural harvester

Info

Publication number: CN110663348B
Application number: CN201910589110.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·R·科平杰; B·B·芬利; K·哈默; W·L·库克西
Original assignee: CNH China Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Keisnew Netherlands Industrial Harbin Machinery Co ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-02
Filing date: 2019-07-02
Publication date: 2022-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-02
Also published as: EP3590321A1; US20200000038A1; CN110663348A; US10918019B2; EP3590321B1; BR102019013399A2

Abstract

In one aspect, a system for adjusting belt tension in an agricultural harvester can include a conveyor having a first roller, a second roller spaced apart from the first roller, and a belt configured to engage the first roller and the second roller. The system may also include a tensioner assembly having a ratchet mechanism configured to selectively adjust a position of the first roller relative to the second roller to adjust a tension applied on the conveyor belt.

Description

System for adjusting belt tension in an agricultural harvester

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to agricultural harvesters and, more particularly, to a system for selectively adjusting conveyor belt tension within an agricultural harvester.

Background

Harvesters are agricultural machines used to harvest and process crops. For example, a combine harvester may be used to harvest cereal crops such as wheat, oats, rye, barley, corn, soybeans, and flax or flax seeds. Generally, the goal is to accomplish several processes that are traditionally different in one pass of the machine over a particular portion of the field. In this regard, most harvesters are equipped with detachable harvesting tools, such as a header, which cuts and collects plant material from the field. The harvester also includes a plant processing system that performs various processing operations (e.g., threshing, separating, etc.) to separate the crop from other plant material received from the harvesting tool. Further, the harvester includes a crop box that receives and stores crop material after treatment.

Harvesting tools typically include a feeder conveyor for transporting harvested plant material from the harvesting tool to a plant processing system. Typically, the feeder conveyor includes a plurality of rollers and a conveyor belt that wraps around and engages the rollers. Tension is applied to the belt to maintain engagement between the belt and the roller. However, when the conveyor belt wears during operation of the conveyor, the conveyor belt stretches or elongates such that the tension thereon is reduced. Insufficient belt tension can result in poor conveyor performance and/or increased wear on conveyor components.

Accordingly, an improved system for adjusting the tension of a conveyor belt within an agricultural harvester would be welcomed in the technology.

Disclosure of Invention

Aspects and advantages of the present technology will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the present technology.

In one aspect, the present subject matter relates to a system for adjusting belt tension in an agricultural harvester. The system may include a conveyor having a first roller, a second roller spaced apart from the first roller, and a conveyor belt configured to engage the first roller and the second roller. The system may also include a tensioner assembly having a ratchet mechanism configured to selectively adjust a position of the first roller relative to the second roller to adjust a tension applied on the conveyor belt.

In another aspect, the present subject matter relates to an agricultural harvester having a feeder. The harvester can also include a conveyor having a first roller, a second roller spaced apart from the first roller, and a conveyor belt configured to engage the first roller and the second roller. Further, the harvester can include a tensioner assembly operably coupled to the first roller, the tensioner assembly configured to adjust a position of the first roller relative to the second roller to adjust a tension of the conveyor belt. Additionally, the harvester can include a linkage coupled between the tensioner assembly and a separate component of the harvester such that the linkage actuates the tensioner assembly to adjust the tension of the conveyor belt as the feeder moves between a raised position relative to the ground and a lowered position relative to the ground.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present technology will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the technology and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology.

Drawings

A full and enabling disclosure of the present technology, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

fig. 1 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of an agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

fig. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a feeder of an agricultural harvester in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the feeder shown in fig. 2, particularly illustrating a linkage of the harvester configured to actuate a tensioner assembly of the harvester in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a system for adjusting tension on a conveyor belt of an agricultural harvester, particularly illustrating a tensioner assembly of the system, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the system illustrated in FIG. 4, particularly illustrating a biasing element of a tensioner assembly in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

fig. 6 illustrates a front view of the tensioner assembly illustrated in fig. 4 and 5, particularly illustrating a pawl of the tensioner assembly engaged with a gear of the tensioner assembly in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 7 illustrates another front view of the tensioner assembly similar to that shown in FIG. 6, particularly illustrating the pawl disengaged from the gear in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the tensioner assembly shown in FIGS. 4-7, particularly illustrating the position of the tensioner assembly's sleeve when the pawl is engaged with the gear in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter; and

fig. 9 illustrates another side view of the tensioner assembly similar to that shown in fig. 8, particularly illustrating the position of the sleeve when the pawl is disengaged from the gear in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present technology.

Detailed Description

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

In general, the present subject matter relates to a system for adjusting tension on a conveyor belt of an agricultural harvester. In particular, the disclosed system may include one or more components that allow for selective adjustment of the tension applied to the conveyor belt as it wears during operation of the harvester, thereby maintaining a desired tension on the conveyor. For example, in several embodiments, the system may include a tensioner assembly having an input member configured to move as one component of the harvester (e.g., a header or other harvesting tool of the harvester) moves relative to another component of the harvester (e.g., a frame of the harvester). The tensioner assembly also includes an output shaft connected to the first roller that engages the conveyor belt. Further, the tensioner assembly includes a ratchet mechanism configured to selectively convert motion of the input member into translation of the output shaft. This translation of the output shaft may adjust the position of the first roller relative to the second roller engaging the conveyor belt such that the tension on the conveyor belt can be adjusted.

Referring now to the drawings, fig. 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of an agricultural harvester 10 in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Generally, the harvester 10 can be configured to move in a direction of travel (e.g., as indicated by arrow 12) through a field to harvest an upright crop 14. While traversing the field, the harvester 10 can be configured to harvest and process plant material harvested from the upright crop 14, thereby separating crop material of the harvested plant material from associated residue. Thereafter, harvester 10 can be configured to store crop material within crop box 16 of harvester 10 and discharge the remaining residue from harvester 10. Further, the harvester 10 can be configured to discharge crop material stored within the crop box 16 into a crop truck (not shown) or other suitable crop container.

As shown, in one embodiment, the harvester 10 may be configured as an axial flow combine harvester, wherein the harvested plant material is threshed and separated as it is propelled by and along the longitudinally arranged rotor 18. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, harvester 10 may have any suitable harvester configuration.

Harvester 10 may include a chassis or main frame 20 configured to support and/or couple to various components of harvester 10. For example, in several embodiments, the harvester 10 can include a pair of driven, ground-engaging front wheels 22 and a pair of steerable rear wheels 24 coupled to the frame 20. Thus,

wheels

22, 24 may be configured to support harvester 10 relative to ground 26 and move harvester 10 in forward direction of travel 12 relative to ground 26. Further, the harvester 10 may include a cab 28 having a cab 30 supported by the frame 20, a plant treatment system 32, and a crop box 16. As described below, when the plant processing system 32 is operated to transfer harvested plant material received from a harvesting implement (e.g., a header 34) of the harvester 10 through the harvester 10, the plant processing system 32 may be configured to perform various processing operations on the harvested plant material. Additionally, as is generally understood, the harvester 10 may include an engine 36 and a transmission 38 mounted on the frame 20. The transmission 38 may be operatively coupled to the engine 36 and may provide a variably adjustable gear ratio for transmitting engine power to the

wheels

22, 24 via a driveshaft assembly (or via an axle if multiple driveshafts are employed).

Also, as shown in fig. 1, the header 34 and associated feeder 40 may extend forward of the frame 20 and may be pivotally secured thereto for generally vertical movement. Generally, the feeder 40 may be configured to serve as a support structure for the header 34. As shown in fig. 1, the feeder 40 may extend between a forward end 42 coupled to the header 34 and a rearward end 44 positioned adjacent a threshing and separating assembly 46 of the plant processing system 32. As is generally understood, the rear end 44 of the feeder 40 may be pivotally coupled to a portion of the harvester 10 to allow the front end 42 of the feeder 40, and thus the header 34, to move up and down relative to the ground 26 to set a desired harvesting or cutting height of the header 34. For example, as shown, in one embodiment, harvester 10 may include a header actuator 48 configured to adjust the height of header 34 relative to ground 26. Header actuator 48 may thus correspond to a fluid driven actuator (e.g., a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder), an electric linear actuator, or any other type of suitable actuator.

As the harvester 10 is propelled forward over a field with an upright crop 14, plant material is cut from the stubble by the sickle bars 47 in front of the header 34 and delivered to the front end 42 of the feeder 40 by the header auger 49. The feeder conveyor 50 conveys the harvested plant material from the forward end 42 of the feeder 40 to the threshing and separating assembly 46. As is generally understood, the threshing and separating assembly 46 may include a cylindrical chamber 52 in which the rotor 18 rotates to thresh and separate harvested plant material received therein. That is, the harvested plant material is rubbed and beaten between the rotor 18 and the inner surface of the chamber 52, whereby crop material (e.g., grain, seeds, or the like) is detached and separated from the stalks of the plant material.

Crop material that has been separated by the threshing and separating assembly 46 can fall onto a crop cleaning assembly 54 of the plant processing system 32. Generally, the crop cleaning assembly 54 may include a series of trays 56 and associated screens. As is generally understood, separated crop material may be dispersed by the oscillation of pan 56 and/or screen 58, and may eventually fall through the apertures defined in screen 58. Additionally, a cleaning fan 60 may be positioned adjacent one or more of the screens 58 to provide a flow of air through the screens 58 that removes chaff and other impurities from the crop material. For example, the fan 60 may blow impurities from the crop material to be expelled from the harvester 10 through an outlet of a residue hood 62 located at the rear end of the harvester 10. Cleaned crop material passing through screen 58 may fall into a trough of an auger 64, which may be configured to transfer the crop material to an elevator 66 for delivery to crop box 16. Additionally, in one embodiment, a pair of tank augers 68 at the bottom of crop tanks 16 may be used to push cleaned crop material laterally to an unloading pipe 69 for discharge from harvester 10.

Fig. 2 and 3 illustrate different views of one embodiment of the feeder 40 described above with reference to fig. 1, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In particular, fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the feeder 40, particularly illustrating various components of the feeder conveyor 50. Additionally, fig. 3 shows a side view of the feeder 40, particularly illustrating the linkage 102 coupled to the tensioner assembly 101 for adjusting the tension of the feeder conveyor 50.

As shown, the feeder 40 may include a feeder housing 70 configured to enclose and/or support one or more components of the feeder 40. Specifically, in several embodiments, the feeder conveyor 50 can be positioned within and mounted relative to the feeder housing 70. Further, a tensioner assembly 101 and one or more associated connecting

members

104, 106 may be coupled to the feeder housing 50. For example, in one embodiment, as shown in fig. 3, the tensioner assembly 101 may be mounted to the exterior of the feeder housing 70 and coupled to a first connecting member 104 that extends through the housing 70. As shown in fig. 2, the first connecting member 104, in turn, can be coupled to a second connecting member 106, which can be coupled to the first shaft 72 of the feeder conveyor 50. As described below, tensioner assembly 101 and associated connecting

members

104, 106 may be configured to apply tension to conveyor belt 74 of feeder conveyor 50. Additionally, as shown in fig. 3, header actuator 48 may be coupled to feeder housing 70 to allow actuator 48 to raise and/or lower front end 42 of feeder 40 and header 34 relative to ground 26.

As described above, the feeder conveyor 50 may be configured to transport harvested plant material from the front end 42 of the feeder 40 to the rear end 44 of the feeder 40. Specifically, as shown in fig. 2, in several embodiments, the feeder conveyor 50 can include a first roller 76 positioned adjacent the front end 42 of the feeder 40 and a second roller 78 spaced apart from the first roller 76 and positioned adjacent the rear end 44 of the feeder 40. Conveyor belt 74 may be configured to wrap around or otherwise engage

rollers

76, 78. For example, in one embodiment, a first roller 76 may be mounted on and configured to rotate about a first axis 72, while a second roller 78 may be mounted on and configured to be driven by a second axis 80. In such embodiments, second shaft 80 and second roller 78 may be configured to drive or otherwise rotate conveyor belt 74 to convey the harvested plant material through feeder 40 (e.g., via a rotary drive source, such as a motor, coupled to second shaft 80). In this regard, first roller 76 may be configured to exert a tension on conveyor belt 74 to maintain engagement between second roller 78 and conveyor belt 74. Additionally, in one embodiment, the conveyor belt 74 may include a plurality of paddles or blades 82 configured to retain the harvested plant material on the conveyor belt 74 as the conveyor belt 74 conveys the harvested crop material through the feeder 40. It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, first roller 76 may be configured to drive conveyor belt 74, while second roller 78 may be configured to apply tension to conveyor belt 74. Further, it should be appreciated that the feeder conveyor 50 may include additional rollers located between the first and

second rollers

76, 78. Additionally, it should be appreciated that conveyor belt 74 may be configured as a chain or any other suitable continuous loop device.

In several embodiments, the tensioner assembly 101 may be configured to be actuated by movement of the header 34 relative to the frame 20. Specifically, in one embodiment, the linkage 102 may be coupled between the pivot point 84 on the frame 20 of the harvester 10 and the tensioner assembly 101. In this regard, linkage 102 actuates tensioner assembly 101 as header 34 and feeder 40 move between their lowered positions relative to ground 26 and their raised positions relative to ground 26. For example, when header actuator 48 raises header 34 relative to ground 26 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 86 in fig. 3), linkage 102 may move in a first direction (e.g., as indicated by arrow 108 in fig. 3) relative to feeder 40. Similarly, when header actuator 48 lowers header 34 relative to ground 26 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 88 in fig. 3), linkage 102 may move in a second direction (e.g., as indicated by arrow 108 in fig. 3) relative to feeder 40. As described below, movement of the linkage 102 in the first and/or

second directions

108, 110 may rotate the input member 120 of the tensioner assembly 101 (e.g., into and out of the page in fig. 3). Such rotation of the input member 120 may translate the output shaft 122 of the tensioner assembly 101 and associated connecting members 104, 106 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 105 in fig. 3), thereby moving the first roller 76 relative to the second roller 78. In this regard, moving first roller 76 away from second roller 78 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 112 in fig. 2) may increase the tension that first roller 76 exerts on conveyor belt 74. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the linkage 102 is configured as a single shaft or rod. However, it should be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, linkage 102 may include any number and/or type of shafts, rods, links, and/or other suitable mechanical components for transferring motion. Further, it should be appreciated that tensioner assembly 101 may be actuated by relative movement of any other suitable component of harvester 10. For example, in one embodiment, the tensioner assembly 101 may be actuated by movement of the unloader tube 69 relative to the frame 20.

It should be appreciated that the configuration of the harvester 10 described above and shown in fig. 1-3 is provided merely to place the present subject matter in an exemplary field of use. Thus, it should be appreciated that the present subject matter may be readily adapted for use with any manner of harvester configuration.

Referring now to fig. 4 and 5, various perspective views of one embodiment of a system 100 for adjusting conveyor belt tension in an agricultural harvester are shown in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the system 100, particularly illustrating the tensioner assembly 101 of the system 100, wherein the sleeve 114 of the tensioner assembly 101 is shown. Additionally, fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the system 100 with the sleeve 114 of the tensioner assembly 101 removed to show the biasing element 116 of the tensioner assembly 101. In general, the system 100 will be described herein with reference to the harvester 10 described above with reference to fig. 1-3. However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed system 100 may generally be used with harvesters having any other suitable harvester configuration.

In general, the system 100 may include one or more components of the harvester 10. For example, in one embodiment, the system 100 may include the frame 20, header 34, feeder 40, conveyor 50, tensioner assembly 101, linkage 102, and connecting

members

104, 106. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, system 100 may include any other suitable component or combination of components of harvester 10.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the tensioner assembly 101 may generally include a biasing element 116, a support plate 118, an input member 120 and an output shaft 122. In general, biasing element 116 may be configured to exert a biasing force on output shaft 122, which output shaft 122 in turn exerts a tension force on conveyor belt 74. Specifically, in several embodiments, one end of the output shaft 122 may be configured to be coupled to the connecting member 104 (fig. 3). For example, in one embodiment, the output shaft 122 may be configured as an I-bolt with an annular portion 124 coupled to the connecting member 104. Also, the output shaft 122 may extend through the input member 120. As described below, the ratchet mechanism 142 may be configured to convert rotation of the input member 120 into translation of the output shaft in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the output shaft 122 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 126 in fig. 4 and 5). Further, the output shaft 122 may extend through an aperture (not shown) defined by the support plate 118 to allow the output shaft 122 to move or translate relative to the support plate 118 along the direction 126. The support plate 118, in turn, may be coupled to and/or mounted on the feeder housing 70 (fig. 3) such that the support plate 118 is positioned between the input member 120 and the annular portion 124 of the output shaft 122. In this regard, the biasing element 116 may be coupled between the support plate 118 and the input member 120. A spacer 127 may be located between the biasing element 116 and the input member 120 to prevent direct contact therebetween. As shown, in one embodiment, the biasing element 116 may be configured as a compression spring 128. Thus, the compression spring 128 may be configured to exert an outward force on the input member 120, thereby biasing the input member 120 away from the support plate 118. The input member 120 may transfer this biasing force to an output shaft 122 (e.g., via a threaded connection therebetween), which output shaft 122 in turn exerts tension on the conveyor belt 74 via the connecting

members

104, 106 and the first roller 76 (fig. 1). The amount of tension applied may generally be based on the length of the compression spring 128 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 130 in fig. 5), with shorter lengths 130 producing greater tension and longer lengths 130 producing less tension. It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the biasing element 116 may be configured as any other suitable biasing device.

As mentioned above, tensioner assembly 101 may also include sleeve 114. Specifically, in several embodiments, the sleeve 114 may be positioned around the compression spring 128. For example, in one embodiment, the sleeve 114 and the compression spring 128 may be substantially concentric with one another. As described below, the sleeve 114 may be configured to set a desired length of the compression spring 128, which in turn sets a desired tension on the conveyor belt 74. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, any suitable device, such as a rod or shaft, may be configured to set the desired length of the compression spring 128.

In several embodiments, the input member 120 may be configured to receive motion from the linkage 102 (fig. 3) to adjust the tension applied to the conveyor 74. For example, in one embodiment, the input member 120 may include an arm 132 and a flange 134 integrally coupled to one end of the arm 132. The flange 134 may be oriented generally perpendicular to the arm 132 and may define an aperture 136 for receiving or coupling to one end of the linkage 102. The input member 120 may also include a head 138 integrally coupled to the opposite end of the arm 132. As shown, the output shaft 122 may extend through the head portion 138 of the input member 122. Further, the head 138 may define a cavity 140 (fig. 6), with a ratchet mechanism 142 (fig. 6) positioned for selectively converting rotation of the input member 120, for example, in a first direction (e.g., as indicated by arrow 144 in fig. 4) and/or a second direction (e.g., as indicated by arrow 146 in fig. 4) into translation of the output shaft 122 along the direction 126. This translation of output shaft 122 may increase or decrease the length 130 of compression spring 128, thereby adjusting the tension applied to conveyor belt 74. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the input member 120 may have any other suitable configuration and/or support or couple to any other suitable component.

As shown in fig. 5, the tensioner assembly 101 may further include a pawl adjustment mechanism 148 configured to switch the ratchet mechanism 142 between a state in which the ratchet mechanism 142 converts rotation of the input member 120 into translation of the output shaft 122 and a state in which the input member 120 is allowed to rotate without translating the output shaft 122. For example, in several embodiments, the pawl adjustment mechanism 148 can include a base 166, a pivot arm 162, and a biasing element 168 (e.g., a spring). In one embodiment, the base 166 may be coupled to and/or mounted on the arm 132 of the input member 120. The pivot arm 162 may be pivotally mounted to the head 138 of the input member 120, such as at a pivot joint 170 located approximately centrally between the ends of the pivot arm 162. As described below, a portion of one end of the pivot arm 162 may extend through a hole (not shown) in the input member head 138 to engage the ratchet mechanism 142 to adjust the state of the ratchet mechanism 142.

Referring now to fig. 6 and 7, various front views of the tensioner assembly 101 shown in fig. 4 and 5 are shown in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, fig. 6 shows a front view of the tensioner assembly 101, particularly illustrating a ratchet mechanism 142 positioned within a cavity 140 of the input member 120 to convert rotation of the input member 120 into translation of the output shaft 122. Fig. 7 shows a front view of the tensioner assembly 101 shown in fig. 4-6, particularly illustrating the ratchet mechanism 142 positioned within the cavity 140 of the input member 120 so as to allow rotation of the input member 120 without corresponding translation of the output shaft 122.

As shown, the ratchet mechanism 142 may generally include one or more components configured to selectively convert rotation of the input member 120 into translation of the output shaft 122. For example, in several embodiments, the ratchet mechanism 142 may include a gear or toothed wheel 150 that is threadably coupled to the output shaft 122 such that rotation of the gear 150 results in translation of the output shaft 122 (e.g., in the direction 126). The ratchet mechanism 142 may further include a pawl 152, with one end of the pawl 152 pivotably coupled to the head 138 of the input member 120 at a pivot joint 154. The opposite end of the pawl 152 may include teeth 156 configured to engage the gear 150. Additionally, a biasing element 158, such as a spring, may be positioned between the input member head 138 and the pawl 152. In this regard, the biasing element 158 may be configured to exert a biasing force on the pawl 152 that biases the pawl 152 into engagement with the gear 150. As shown, in one embodiment, the pawl 152 may define a scallop or notch 160. In this regard, when the pivot arm 162 of the pawl adjustment mechanism 148 is located outside of the scallops 160, as shown in fig. 6, the pawl 152 may be engaged with the gear 150. Conversely, when the pivot arm 162 is positioned within the scallop 160, as shown in fig. 7, the pawl 152 may be disengaged from the gear 150. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the ratchet member 142 may have any other suitable configuration.

As described above, the ratchet mechanism 142 may be configured to convert rotation of the input member 120 into translation of the output shaft 122 when the pawl 152 is engaged with the gear 150. For example, as shown in fig. 6, when the gear 150 and the pawl 152 are engaged, movement of the input member 120 in the direction 144 may rotate the gear 150 in a rotational direction (e.g., as indicated by arrow 164), thereby translating the output shaft 122 in the direction 126 (fig. 5). However, movement of the input member 120 in the direction 146 may cause the teeth 156 of the pawls 152 to slide on the gear 150 such that rotation of the input member 120 is not translated into rotation of the gear 150 and thus translation of the output shaft. Thus, gear 150 may only be allowed to rotate in direction 164 with the rotation of input member 120, which may prevent the tension applied to conveyor belt 74 from decreasing. Also, when the pawl 152 is disengaged from the gear 150, as shown in fig. 7, rotation of the input member 120 is similarly not translated into translation of the output shaft 122. Rather, in this case, the input member 120 is simply configured to rotate relative to the gear 150.

Referring now to fig. 8 and 9, various side views of the tensioner assembly 101 shown in fig. 4-7 are shown in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, fig. 8 shows a side view of tensioner assembly 101, particularly illustrating the position of bushing 114 of tensioner assembly 101 when pawl 152 is engaged with gear 150. Additionally, fig. 9 shows another side view of the tensioner assembly 101 shown in fig. 4-8, particularly illustrating the position of the sleeve 114 of the tensioner assembly 101 when the pawl 152 is disengaged from the gear 150.

As described above, the pawl adjustment mechanism 148 may be configured to selectively engage and disengage the pawl 152 from the gear 150. Specifically, in several embodiments, a portion of one end of the pivot arm 162 of the pawl adjustment mechanism 148 can be configured to engage and disengage the pawl 152 as described above with reference to fig. 6 and 7. Moreover, such end of the pivot arm 162 may further include a tab 172 projecting outwardly toward the support plate 118 for selectively engaging the sleeve 114. Additionally, a biasing element 168 may be coupled between the base 166 and the opposite end. Thus, the biasing element 168 is configured to exert a biasing force on the pivot arm 162 that biases the pivot arm 162 to a position where the pivot arm 162 is positioned outside of the scallops 160 of the pawl 152 (i.e., the pawl 152 is engaged with the gear 150).

Further, as described above, sleeve 114 may be configured to set a desired tension applied to conveyor belt 74. More specifically, as shown in fig. 8, the length of the sleeve 114 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 174 in fig. 8) is less than the length of the compression spring 128, which may be an indication that the tension applied by the compression spring 128 is too low. In such a case, the pivot arm 162 does not contact the sleeve 114, thereby allowing the biasing element 168 to move the pivot arm 162 such that the pivot arm 162 is positioned outside of the scallops 160 in the pawl 152. When the gear 150 and the pawl 152 are engaged (e.g., as shown in fig. 6), the ratchet mechanism 142 may be configured to convert rotation of the input member 120 (e.g., provided by raising and/or lowering the header 34) into translation of the output shaft 122. Such rotation may move or translate the output shaft 122 in a direction toward the support plate 118 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 176), thereby compressing the compression spring 128 and increasing the biasing force applied to the output shaft 122.

Once the compression spring 128 provides the desired tension on the conveyor belt 174, the sleeve 114 may be configured to prevent further compression of the compression spring 128. More specifically, as shown in fig. 9, the length 130 of the compression spring 128 may be equal to or less than the length 174 of the sleeve 114 when the compression spring 128 provides the desired tension. In such a case, the tab 172 of the pivot arm 162 contacts the sleeve 114, thereby positioning the pivot arm 162 within the scallop 160 defined by the pawl 152. When the gear 150 and the pawl 152 are disengaged (e.g., as shown in fig. 7), the ratchet mechanism 142 may be configured to allow rotation of the input member 120 (e.g., provided by raising and/or lowering the header 34) without converting such motion into translation of the output shaft 122. The length 130 of the compression spring 128 remains constant without translation of the output shaft 122.

In the embodiment described above with reference to fig. 4-9, the system 100 is configured to adjust the tension applied to the conveyor belt 74 of the feeder conveyor 50. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the system 100 may be configured to adjust the tension applied to any other suitable conveyor of the harvester 10.

This written description uses examples to disclose the technology, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the technology, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the technology is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A system for adjusting belt tension in an agricultural harvester, the system comprising:

a transmitter, the transmitter comprising:

a first roller for the first roller to be rotated,

a second roller spaced apart from the first roller, an

A conveyor belt configured to engage the first roller and the second roller; and

a tensioner assembly including an input member, an output shaft, and a ratchet mechanism coupled between the input member and the output shaft to selectively convert motion of the input member into translation of the output shaft, the output shaft being arranged along a longitudinal axis, the input member being configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis to translate the output shaft along the longitudinal axis so as to selectively adjust a position of the first roller relative to the second roller to adjust a tension applied on the conveyor belt.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the output shaft is coupled to the input member, the output shaft being coupled to the first roller.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the output shaft threadably engages the input member such that rotation of the input member relative to the output shaft about the longitudinal axis moves the output shaft relative to the input member along the longitudinal axis to adjust the position of the first roller relative to the second roller.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the tensioner assembly further comprises a support plate and a first biasing element coupled between the support plate and the input member, the first biasing element configured to bias the output shaft away from the support plate such that tension is exerted on the conveyor belt.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the tensioner assembly further comprises a sleeve positioned about the first biasing element, the sleeve configured to set a desired biasing force exerted by the first biasing element on the output shaft.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the ratchet mechanism further comprises a gear coupled to the output shaft and a pawl coupled to the input member, the ratchet mechanism configured to convert motion of the input member into translation of the output shaft when the pawl engages the gear.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the tensioner assembly further comprises a pawl engagement mechanism configured to selectively engage the pawl with the gear.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the tensioner assembly further comprises:

a spring defining a spring length, the spring configured to exert a biasing force on the output shaft based on the spring length; and

a sleeve positioned around the spring, the sleeve defining a sleeve length, wherein the pawl engagement mechanism is configured to engage the pawl with the gear when the spring length is greater than the sleeve length.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the pawl engagement mechanism comprises a pivot arm coupled to the input member and a second biasing element configured to bias the pivot arm to a position in which the pawl engages the gear.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein when the spring length is equal to or less than the sleeve length, a pivot arm is configured to contact the sleeve such that the pawl disengages from the gear.

11. The system of claim 2, further comprising:

a linkage coupled between the input member and a first component of the agricultural harvester, the linkage configured to transfer motion of movement of a second component of the agricultural harvester relative to the first component to the input member.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first component corresponds to a frame of the agricultural harvester and the second component corresponds to a harvesting implement of the agricultural harvester.

13. An agricultural harvester, comprising:

a feeder;

a conveyor comprising a first roller, a second roller spaced apart from the first roller, and a conveyor belt configured to engage the first roller and the second roller;

a tensioner assembly operatively coupled to the first roller, the tensioner assembly including an input member, an output shaft, and a ratchet mechanism coupled between the input member and the output shaft to selectively convert motion of the input member into translation of the output shaft, the output shaft being arranged along a longitudinal axis, the input member being configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis to cause translation of the output shaft along the longitudinal axis to selectively adjust a position of the first roller relative to the second roller to adjust a tension of the conveyor belt; and

a linkage coupled between the tensioner assembly and an independent component of the agricultural harvester such that the linkage actuates the tensioner assembly to adjust the tension of the conveyor belt as the feeder moves between a raised position relative to the ground and a lowered position relative to the ground.

14. The agricultural harvester according to claim 13, wherein said conveyor is positioned within said feeder.

15. The agricultural harvester according to claim 13, wherein said separate component of said agricultural harvester corresponds to a frame of said agricultural harvester.

16. The agricultural harvester according to claim 13, wherein said second roller is configured to drive said conveyor belt.